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**Celtics Rejected Raptors’ Offer for Holiday, Preferred Blazers Deal**

**Boston, MA** – The Boston Celtics, fresh off a disappointing playoff exit, reportedly turned down a potentially lucrative trade offer from the Toronto Raptors involving their No. 9 overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft, in favor of a deal with the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer.

Appearing on CLNS’ “The Garden Report,” Fischer revealed that the Raptors were aggressively pursuing either guard Derrick White or Jrue Holiday, offering the Celtics the ninth pick in exchange. However, Boston balked at the prospect of taking on RJ Barrett’s contract as part of the deal. The Raptors subsequently used the pick to select Collin-Murray Boyles.

Ultimately, the Celtics opted to trade Holiday to the Trail Blazers for Simons, whose contract is up after next season..

Holiday, who averaged 11.8 points and 4.4 assists during his two seasons in Boston, was a key contributor to the team’s championship run in 2024. His performance dipped this past season, which led to the team’s decision to move on from him.

While the Celtics ultimately decided to move on from Holiday, Fischer indicated that key players like White and Jaylen Brown were never truly on the trading block, despite interest from other teams.

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